Text of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Inaugural Address

The Ukrainian new president Volodymyr Zelensky has banned hanging his photos in all government offices.

Iran Press/ Europe: In a speech at his inauguration ceremony in the parliament in Kiev on May 20, Zelensky advised the Ukrainian authorities to give maximum attention to national interests in their decisions.

He said, "please, I really don't want you to hang my portraits on your office walls. Because a president is not an icon and not an idol. A president is not a portrait. Hang pictures of your children. And before you make any decision, look into their eyes."

Text of Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Inaugural Address

Zelensky also called on legislators to adopt anti-corruption laws, including measures that would strip legislators of their immunity from prosecution and increase transparency, Iran Press reported.

The famous comedian immediately dismissed the Supreme Rada, fulfilling a campaign promise. 

"Government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem," Zelenskiy said in his inauguration speech, quoting Ronald Reagan — another actor-turned-president — from his 1981 inaugural address.

His victory last April reflected voters’ frustration with politics as usual. Just 9 percent of Ukrainians trust their national government, the lowest of any electorate in the world, a Gallup poll in March showed. 215/213

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Ukraine election: Comedian wins presidency by landslide

 

Text of Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Text of Volodymyr Zelenskyy